Top 25 College Basketball Teams for the 2025 Season
The upcoming 2025 college basketball season promises excitement, with teams bringing back key players and introducing fresh talent. This article provides an overview of the top 25 teams, focusing on their returning stars and noteworthy recruits.
1. Houston Cougars
The Cougars, who achieved a record of 35-5 and reached the championship game last season, feature three of their top seven scorers: Emanuel Sharp, Milos Uzan, and Joseph Tugler. They also welcome a promising recruiting class that includes:
- Creighton transfer Pop Isaacs
- Sam Houston transfer Kalifa Sakho
- Five-star freshman Chris Cenac Jr.
- Four-star freshmen Isiah Harwell and Kingston Flemings
2. Duke Blue Devils
With a 35-4 finish and a trip to the Final Four, Duke maintains a competitive edge with returning players Tyrese Proctor, Isaiah Evans, and Caleb Foster. The Blue Devils’ new recruits include:
- Five-star freshmen Cameron Boozer and Shelton Henderson
- Four-star freshmen Nikolas Khamenia and Cayden Boozer
3. Purdue Boilermakers
Purdue looks to build on their 24-12 season and Sweet 16 appearance with five returning scorers: Trey Kaufman-Renn, Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, Daniel Jacobsen, and C.J. Cox. They are also counting on the addition of South Dakota State transfer Oscar Cluff.
4. UConn Huskies
After a 24-11 season culminating in a second-round NCAA Tournament exit, UConn brings back Solo Ball, Alex Karaban, Tarris Reed, and Jaylin Stewart. New faces include:
- Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr.
- Five-star freshman Braylon Mullins
- Four-star freshmen Darius Adams and Eric Reibe
5. BYU Cougars
Boasting a 26-10 record and a Sweet 16 berth, BYU retains Richie Saunders, Dawson Baker, Keba Keita, and Mihailo Boskovic. They’ll welcome:
- Baylor transfer Robert Wright
- Five-star freshman AJ Dybantsa
- Four-star freshmen Xavion Staton and Chamberlain Burgess
6. UCLA Bruins
UCLA, finishing with a 23-11 record and a second-round finish last season, has Tyler Bilodeau, Eric Dailey Jr., and Skyy Clark returning. The team is infused with talent through various transfers including:
- New Mexico transfer Donovan Dent
- Michigan State transfer Xavier Booker
- Multiple other added assets from different schools
7. Arizona Wildcats
After a 24-13 finish and Sweet 16 advancement, Arizona welcomes back four key players: Jaden Bradley, Tobe Awaka, Motiejus Krivas, and Anthony Dell’Orso. Their recruiting class features:
- Harvard transfer Evan Nelson
- Five-star freshmen Koa Peat and Brayden Burries
- Four-star freshman Dwayne Aristode
8. Michigan Wolverines
With a record of 27-10 and a Sweet 16 finish, Michigan returns Roddy Gayle Jr. and L.J. Cason. The squad will be bolstered by a strong recruiting class that includes:
- UAB transfer Yaxel Lendeborg
- Illinois transfer Morez Johnson Jr.
- North Carolina transfer Elliot Cadeau
Conclusion
The 2025 NCAA basketball season is shaping up to be thrilling with these top-ranked teams leveraging returning talent and new recruits. Each program is making strategic moves aimed at enhancing their performance and aiming for championship glory.